Built for pianists and keyboard players who need a full 88-key range without giving up DAW production control, the Nektar Impact LX88 mk3 combines semi-weighted, piano-style keys with an extensive control surface of faders, pads and encoders. Unlike the smaller LX models, the LX88 also includes a dedicated 5-pin MIDI DIN output, making it compatible with hardware synths, sound modules and any legacy MIDI gear alongside modern USB-C DAW connectivity.

Semi-Weighted Keybed

The 88 semi-weighted keys deliver velocity-sensitive response with a piano-style touch that provides a natural feel for pianists transitioning from acoustic or digital pianos. The redesigned keybed offers improved key consistency and response across the full 88-key range compared to the previous Impact LX generation. Five velocity curves allow adjustment to different playing dynamics and styles.

Faders, Pads and Encoders

Eight 30 mm faders give direct hardware access to DAW mixer channels, sends and assignable MIDI parameters. Eight velocity-sensitive pads with 8 pad maps add drum programming and sample triggering to the piano keyboard workflow. Nine full-resolution encoders — one large master encoder plus eight standard — cover plugin parameter control, while four-color LED buttons provide clear visual feedback across all operating modes.

Performance Modes

Scale, Chord and Hold modes assist with in-key performance, chord voicing and hands-free sustain — features particularly valuable for piano players exploring DAW-based composition and loop-based production for the first time. Octave and transpose buttons extend the effective range of the 88-key keyboard within any software instrument or MIDI setup.

DAW Integration and NKS

Deep Nektar DAW integration provides automatic bidirectional communication with all major DAWs including Logic, Ableton, Cubase, Studio One and Pro Tools — transport, track arming and plugin parameter control all work without manual MIDI mapping. Full NI NKS compatibility delivers plug-and-play control of NI Komplete instruments and any NKS-ready plugin.

MIDI DIN Output

In addition to USB-C, the LX88 mk3 features a dedicated 5-pin MIDI DIN output, allowing direct connection to hardware synthesizers, rack modules, drum machines and any MIDI device without requiring a computer or MIDI interface. This makes it one of the few controllers in the LX range capable of standalone use as a master keyboard in a hardware studio.

Connectivity and Dimensions

The LX88 mk3 connects via USB-C (class compliant, bus powered) and includes a 5-pin MIDI DIN output and a 1/4" TS footswitch jack for a sustain or expression pedal. Dimensions: 128 × 27.3 × 7.7 cm, weight: 7.7 kg.